The trusted friend to T'Challa (Black Panther I),
M'Baku was entrusted with the leadership of Wakanda in the kings absence while he joined the
Avengers.

During T'Challa's absence M'Baku kills the sacred white ape, consuming its flesh and gaining great powers. Returning
to his kingdom, T'Challa and his allies the Avengers are rendered unconscious by their false ally. When they awake
M'Baku reveals his plan to replace the Panther cult with the worship of Gorillas and challenges the Black Panther to
combat for the throne as the Man-Ape.